Council debates new ordinance to regulate consumable hemp products; staff urges amendments and fast track for applicants

Councilmembers spent the pre‑meeting on March 24 debating a first reading of an ordinance to add Chapter 36 to the Mobile City Code to regulate consumable hemp products.

“ I don't have a copy of this ordinance printed out, and I would like to have some additional discussion about it,” Councilmember Roemer said, arguing the city should handle hemp retail applications the same way it handles liquor licenses and that the draft ordinance as written appears to allow administrative approvals rather than the council review he prefers.

City staff and a representative of the mayor's office said the draft was intended to streamline approvals so eligible retailers could resume sales quickly while complying with state ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) guidance. A staff speaker said, “It will follow the ABC rules, just like you do a liquor license,” and reported that “the last I checked was 6” applications were already in the pipeline.

Legal and administrative staff told the council that the ABC has interpreted the governing‑body requirement in ways that mean a clear local ordinance will likely be necessary rather than relying solely on a temporary resolution. “There's nearly no big difference between a resolution and an ordinance other than the sense of permanency,” a city attorney‑level speaker explained, adding that ABC has questioned whether the council’s prior 90‑day resolution satisfied the state board's concerns.

Councilmembers also pressed for clarity on zoning implications. Several members noted the Unified Development Code (UDC) does not currently recognize hemp uses and that UDC amendments will be required to set where dispensaries or retail outlets can operate. Staff said they expect amendments to the ordinance and the UDC and welcomed council input on hours of operation, premises standards and other details that differ from alcohol regulations.

Administration urged applicants who intend to operate to file applications with the department now so that, if the city adopts an ordinance or establishes an administrative pathway, those files will be ready for processing.

The matter remains at first reading; councilmembers indicated they will propose amendments and continue the discussion at or after the upcoming council meeting. No formal vote on the ordinance was recorded during the pre‑meeting.